If you want to add a bit of interest to your minimalist space, but don't want to go overboard with the decor, you can't go wrong with a lush pop of green. Adhering to the core minimalist principle of bringing nature into the home, houseplants purify the air, improve air humidity, and add a holistic element to the interior that emphasizes health. I am.
“Leafy plants are a great way to breathe life into minimalist interiors while maintaining a fresh, modern feel,” says Kasi Sykunova, director of minimalist design studio YAM.
Here, we speak to environmentally conscious minimalist designers to find out the best houseplants to choose to bring some greenery into your indoor garden.
1. Satin Poss
(Image credit: Building Narratives. Design: YAM Studios)
First on the list is Satin Pothos. This is a beautiful pale green trailing plant with a distinctive spotted pattern. They are very easy to care for and are perfect for minimalists who want the look of a houseplant, but who see them more as decorations than plants.
Satin tempos are a great tool for decorating plants. “Placing long trailing plants on the shelves creates an attractive focal point and adds the final touch to the decor,” says Kasi Sykunova of YAM Studio. Choosing slightly muted green tones will blend harmoniously with the simple surroundings.
Sheena Murphy of London and New York-based interior design studio Nune also praises the look of the trailer. “We love dragging plants over shelves, which helps break up the excessive linearity that shelves and books create,” she says.
2. Rubber factory
(Image credit: Building Narratives. Design: YAM Studio)
I love the large, sculptural look of waxy rubber plants, but this is also a favorite houseplant for minimalist designers. Rubber plants are classic and include varieties such as deep-leaved forest rubber plants, camouflage rubber plants, and burgundy rubber plants. “All three variations are sure to liven up a minimalist space,” says Whitney Blomberg Hawkings of flower delivery service FLOWERBX.
“The rich colors and glossy texture of the foliage give it an elevated, luxurious feel that pairs perfectly with neutral interior color palettes and natural, rustic fabric accents.”
When it comes to caring for rubber plants, rubber plants like a sunny place, and insufficient lighting will cause the leaves to fall off. Resist the urge to move your plants and avoid overwatering them. Rubber plants are similar to succulents, so be sure to water them thoroughly when the topsoil dries out.
3. Paradise Strelitzia
(Image credit: Building Narratives. Design: YAM Studio)
One of the houseplants that can make a room look more expensive is the Bird of Paradise plant. The large, lush leaves give it a slightly tropical feel and look elegant in a minimalist home.
“Some rooms need really sparse, fine plants and trees, while others need a little more weight and presence,” says Sheena. This plant is one of those plants that brings such majesty and statuesque presence to your space.
4. Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree
(Image provided by Nune Studio)
One of the best indoor trees suitable for any style of interior design is the fiddle leaf fig tree. The leaves are large and have a beautiful paddle shape. It grows very tall, making it a great addition to a minimalist living room if you're looking for a plant that will add height.
“For most people, houseplants need to be easy to care for and also need to be the right scale for the room. Don't be afraid to go big to accentuate a wall,” says Sheena. .
“It adds an architectural element to the living space,” says Thomas Bloom-Hughes, director of horticulture at Petersham Nursery.
Be sure to take care of your fig tree to protect it from drafts and provide it with bright, filtered light. Mist or dust the leaves from time to time to keep them shiny and beautiful.
5. China's Money Plant
(Image credit: Patch Plants)
Last but not least, the Chinese money plant or Pilea is easy to care for and very pretty. Surprisingly, this small plant is a succulent and can be identified by its smooth, round, fleshy leaves. “Succulents are very educational and often a very visually interesting option,” says Sheena.
Money plants come in so many shapes and bring pattern to a room in a natural way. Perfect for minimalist indoor Zen gardens that may be lacking a bit of interest. Make sure to keep your flower pots simple. “Choose a plain pot with a textured finish to enhance the minimalist aesthetic of your interior,” advises Kasi.
Propagation is also very easy if you want to double the number of Pileas at home. All you have to do is take a few roots and throw them into a small glass car. If you place it in a sunny spot in your house, you will see the roots begin to sprout. Once the roots have grown sufficiently, plant them in soil. When it comes to caring for your Chinese money plant, don't overwater it, give it plenty of sunlight, and be sure to repot it if it gets too grown.